Deschutes County to offer ‘County College’

Have you wondered how your county tax dollars are spent? Do you know what services Deschutes County provides to you? For the sixth consecutive year, County residents have an opportunity to enroll in Deschutes County College, a free and fun program aimed at educating the community about County government.

Deschutes County College will be held for 11 consecutive weeks on Tuesday evenings, generally from 5:00 to 8:30 or 9:00 p.m., September 1 through November 3. Dinner is provided to participants.

Each session includes interactive programs and presentations about County services and the impact they have to residents. Participants must attend EIGHT or more sessions to graduate from the program.

A sample of topics and tours included at County College:

1. Property assessment and taxation

2. The Deschutes County budget

3. Public safety

4. County governance and the policy-making process

5. Health services

6. Road maintenance and solid waste

7. Community development and land use planning

8. Records and elections

9. Tours of Knot Landfill, the County Jail, Elections/Clerk’s Office, Road Department (equipment), 9-1-1 dispatch center, Juvenile Community Justice detention center, and the Fair & Expo Center

County College is a FREE program. Space is limited, an application and background check are required. Applicants from Sisters, Redmond, and La Pine are encouraged to apply. Due to limited meeting space, not all applicants will be accepted into this year’s class. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on July 31st.

Receive an application by contacting the Deschutes County Administration offices at (541) 388-6571, or by sending email to sharon.ross@deschutes.org